Imphal, April 16 2010: In protest against the killing of Sanjenbam Nonoisana alias German, who was a HIV positive young boy on ART treatment, and demanding punishment of his killers, Wakat Meephams were staged today at Keishampat Junction here as well as at Bishnupur Bazar.

To ensure such incidents of killing HIV positive children are not repeated in future, the protestors also demanded a State policy for the protection and welfare of the children infected/affected by HIV.

Placards inscribed with slogans like 'An orphan, an ART patient, who is responsible ?', 'What was German's fault?', 'Do HIV positive children have no right to live ?, 'We want justice', 'Punish the killer', 'We condemn killing of German', 'Protect hapless children', etc were used during the protest demonstration held at Keishampat Junction.

The protest demonstration was organised jointly by SASO, MNP+, USER Manipur, Care Foundation, Bosco Mangal and Kripa Foundation.

Talking to The Sangai Express on the sidelines of the protest demonstration, project co-ordinator of CHAHA Indira observed that killing of German, who had lost both his parents, and was on ART treatment, deserved strongest condemnation by one and all.

This incident has caused fear and apprehensions apprehension in the minds of the children living with HIV or to those who are not HIV positive though both their parents are HIV positive or those living with either with their mother or their father.

Indira informed that after he lost both his parents, Nonoisana alias German was getting benefit under the CHAHA Project of SASO.

For the first time, Nonoisana was brought under the care of CHAY Project which was there before CHAHA Project.

While demanding punishment of the killers and taking up necessary steps to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future, Indira underlined the need for a policy of the State Government to ensure the protection and the rights of children living with HIV in Manipur.

It should be the responsibility of the Government to ensure a safe and security environment for the children living with HIV to grow up like any other children, she said.

It may be recalled here that Sanjenbam Nonoisana alias German of Uripok Tourangbam Leikai was found brutally murdered in the morning of April 7 at Malom Terakhong in Bishnupur district.

A student of St Savio School, Lamphelpat, Nonoisana was studying in class X and was supposed to appear in the Board examination this year.

However, he could not sit for the examination due to some problems.

Similar protest demonstration against the killing of German was also staged at Bishnupur Bazar today.

The protest demonstration had been organised jointly by Bishnupur Network of Positive People, Care Foundation, Bishnupur; DPU, PRDA, Educated and Self Employed Women Social Service Association, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS, Manipur and Apunba Nupi Lup, Bishnupur.

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